Self-propelled recreational toy vehicle

ABSTRACT

A racing toy vehicle in the form of a generally annular main support structure having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a hollow, open or closed interior cavity. The main support structure may be constructed of a rigid or resilient; solid, hollow or inflatable material. In one embodiment, the axial length of the support structure is less than its diameter but greater than the width or shoulder-toshoulder dimensions of a human for receiving at least a single passenger in a fetal position seated along a major arc of the interior cavity. Hand grips formed on the interior surface of the main support structure on a line parallel with the cylinder axis enable the passenger to shift his body weight by appropriate manipulation and turn head-over-heels while riding within the cavity resulting in self-propulsion of the vehicle. The device also includes a braking assembly associated with the hand grips, a seat formed integrally with the main support structure, asymmetrical weight distribution to achieve a whip effect during rolling movement, and may be used in conjunction with a carriage or stand having rollers to facilitate stationary tumbling.

United States Patent Smith Sept. 16, 1975 SELF-PROPELLED RECREATIONAL TOY Primary ExaminerLeo Friaglia VEHICLE Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Imirie, Smiley & Linn [76] Inventor: Harry Tabb Smith, P.O. Box 437,

Yorktown Rd., Tabb, Va. 23602 57 ABSTRACT [22] Filed: 1974 A racing toy vehicle in the form of a generally annular [211 App]. 500 5 main support structure having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a hollow, open or closed interior cavity. The main support structure may [52] 280/206; R; 272/57 T be constructed of a rigid or resilient; solid, hollow or [51] Int. CL2 inflatable material. In one embodiment, the axial [58] Field of Search 280/206 207; 272, length of the support structure is less than its diameter 272/57 T but greater than the width or shoulder-to-shoulder dimensions of a human for receiving at least a single [56] References C'ted passenger in a fetal position seated along a major arc UNITED STATES PATENTS of the interior cavity. Hand grips formed on the inte- 1,281,846 10/1918 Salari 280/206 x ri r surface f the m in pp r tr re n a lin 2,681,638 6/1954 Carvell... 272/57 T parallel with the cylinder axis enable the passenger to 3.06 9 1 12/1 2 r y 280/206 shift his body weight by appropriate manipulation and 31138375 6/1964 R turn head-over-heels while riding within the cavity re- 3J93Z86 7/1965 Sifter R sulting in self-propulsion of the vehicle. The device 3464718 9/1969 FSher 280/206 also includes a braking assembly associated with the 3536324 10/1970 Ahrens R hand grips a seat formed integrally with the main sup- 3.537,726 11/1970 Conoverm. 280/206 3,693998 9/1972 Cumminsm 280/8701 port structure asymmetrical we ght distribution to 3,777,835 12/1973 Boume 280/207 x achleve P effect durmg Yollmg movement, and 3,780,469 12/1973 Hancovsky 280/206 X y be used in Conjunction i a rri g or stand having rollers to facilitate stationary tumbling.

15 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures SELFPROPELLED RECREATIONAL TOY VEHICLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to recreational vehicles, and more particularly, to a selfpropelled recreational toy vehicle particularly suited for use by children.

2. Description of the Prior Art Recreational devices and vehicles of all types are becoming extremely popular and are receiving widespread attention and acceptance. Of particular interest with respect to children and young adults are devices which are not only recreational or entertaining but provide exercise as well. Ideally, the exercise and entertainment functions of the device should be provided simultaneously while, at the same time, sufficient safety features are inherently demonstrated to prevent inadvertent injury.

The prior art as exemplified by US. Pat. Nos. 1,676,015, 3,428,015, 3,460,828, and 3,779,201, is generally illustrative of various recreational and sporting devices for use by individuals. While such devices are generally acceptable for their intended purpose, they have not proven to be entirely satisfactory in that they are complex and expensive to manufacture, are bulky and inconvenient to use, exhibit insufficient safety characteristics, require unusual skill and/or dexterity to operate, and typically can only be used by children with close adult supervision.

As a result of the shortcomings of the prior art, typified by the above, there has developed and continues to exist a substantial need for a recreational toy vehicle which is safe to use by even small children, is inexpensive, and provides both entertainment and healthful exercise in use. Despite this need, and the efforts of many individuals and companies to develop such devices, a safe, self-propelled toy vehicle has heretofore been unavailable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to construct a recreational toy vehicle primarily for use by young children without supervision in which the child may be carried and, by shifting his body weight, can cause himself to move head-over-heels for selfpropulsion of the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to construct a self-propelled recreational toy for facilitating head-over-heels tumbling motion of a person while maintained at a stationary location.

The present invention has a further object in the provision of a vehicle in the form of a closed capsule having a rolling surface about its outer periphery for carrying a passenger along by the action of the passenger shifting his body weight to turn headover-heels while riding within the capsule.

A further object of this invention is to construct a toy vehicle including a braking assembly associated with hand grips provided on the vehicle.

A still further object of the present invention is to construct a rolling toy vehicle adapted to receive a passenger in an interior cavity and having an asymmetrical weight distribution to achieve a whip effect during rolling movement.

The present invention is advantageous over the prior art in that the same is economical to construct, is safe for use by children, effectively achieves the combined advantages of providing exercise as well as recreation, provides for the head-over-heels tumbling of a completely protected passenger, and is self-propelled thereby requiring no external source of power.

The present invention is summarized in that a selfpropelled recreational vehicle includes a generally annular main body member having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a generally circular, axially extending interior cavity including a portion constituting a seat along a major arc thereof for supporting an occupant along the are facing in a position transverse the body member axis, and a pair of hand grips protruding from the surface of the cavity for enabling the occupant to shift his weight by appropriate manipulation so as to cause the body member to roll along its outer peripheral rolling surface whereby the occupant tumbles head-over-heels while riding within the cavity.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a self-propelled recreational toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partially in section, of the hand grip assembly of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modification of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a further modification of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view, partially in section, of a further modification of the vehicle in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative outer peripheral rolling surface of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 9 showing another alternative rolling surface of the vehicle;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a recreational toy vehicle according to the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the recreational vehicle according to the present invention constructed with resilient side walls.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a preferred embodiment of a recreational toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes a generally annular main body member 20 having a generally circular, axially extending opening 22 therethrough so as to define an interior cavity or chamber 24. The main body member 20 has a generally cylindrical outer peripheral rolling surface 26 with rounded edges 28 and 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner surface wall of the cavity or chamber 24 includes a portion 32 constituting a seat for an occupant. Seat 32 is disposed along a major arc of the inner surface of the cavity 24 so as to support an occupant seated within the body facing in a position transverse the body axis as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the axial dimension of the main body member is less than the diameter thereof but greater than the width or shoulder-to-shoulder dimension of an occupant.

The main body member 20 may be constructed of any suitable material such as styrofoam, molded plastic, rubber, cardboard, wood, and the like. The body member may also be either rigid or resilient and can be made in the form of a hollow self-supporting or inflatable annulus, if desired.

In order to facilitate self-propulsion of the vehicle and to establish rolling motion thereof, a pair of hand grips 34 and 36 extend into the cavity 24 from a wall of the main body 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Hand grips 34 and 36 may take any form or configuration facilitating grasping thereof by the occupant. The hand grips may also be molded or formed integrally with the main body 20 or rigidly secured thereto by any suitable means such as bolts, screws, adhesives, interlocking tabs, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, hand grips 34 and 36 are connected with and cause actuation of a pair of brake pads 38 and 40 respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, which illustrate the details of hand grip 34 and its associated brake pad 38, the annular wall of main body member 20 is provided with a bore 42 opening into a concentric counterbore 44 having a diameter and depth sufficiently great to accommodate the brake pad 38 in a recessed position flush with the outer peripheral surface of the main body member 20. A shaft 46 rigidly interconnects hand grip 34 with the brake pad 38 and is slidably and rotatably received within the bore 42.

Shaft 46 may be welded or integrally formed with the hand grip 34 and thereafter attached to brake pad 38 by any suitable fastening means such as a bolt or screw threads (not shown). A washer 48 is securely affixed to the inner wall of the annular main body 20 concentric with bore 42 and has a notch 50 overlying an elongated channel 52 formed adjacent bore 42 in body member 20. A key 54 is longitudinally attached to shaft 46 to preclude axial movement of the shaft upwardly as visualized in FIG. 4 until the hand grip 34 has been rotated 90 so as to bring key 54 into alignment with notch 50 and channel 52. In addition, a second washer 56 is disposed about the junction of the shaft 46 with the hand grip 34 and cooperates with washer 48 to constrain therebetween a compression biasing spring 58 for biasing the brake pad 38 to its flush recessed position as shown.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 through 3, it can be appreciated that when hand grips 34 and 36 are in the parallel aligned positions illustrated, the brake pads 38 and 40 will be locked in their recessed or flush positions. In this manner, the occupant can support himself by using the hand grips 34 and 36 for subsequently shifting his weight to cause the main body member 20 to roll in a head-over-heels fashion. If it is desired to extend the brake pads 38 and 40 for the purpose of obstructing free rotation of the vehicle, the occupant need only rotate the hand grips 34 and 36 by 90 so as to bring the respective keys 54 into alignment with the slot 50 and channel 52. As the main body member 20 continues rotation, the occupants weight will bear against the now rotated hand grips 34 and 36 so as to cause the same to be axially shifted against the force of the biasing spring 58. The brake pads 38 and 40 are thereby extended from the outer peripheral surface of the main body member 20 whereupon the vehicle will tend to slow down and eventually come to rest.

The main body member 20 may be constructed of any suitable material, as noted above, and may be either translucent or opaque. In the latter case, an opening or window 60 may be provided in the wall of the annular body member opposite the seat 32. The opening for window 60 may have any suitable configuration and, as such, may be square, rectangular, circular, or the like. A translucent pane of plexiglass, clear plastic, or safety glass 62 having a curvature generally conforming to the inner surface configuration of the cavity 24 may be appropriately mounted within opening 60 as shown in FIG. 3. It can be appreciated that any suitable fastening means such as a retaining ring, adhesives, fas tening lugs, etc. may be used to retain the pane 62 in position within opening 60, and further detailed description is omitted for the sake of brevity.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a modification of the vehi' cle according to the present invention is illustrated in section. The modification of FIG. 6 is substantially identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3 and will therefore not be described in detail. However, the embodiment of FIG. 6 differs in that the chamber for cavity 24 is completely enclosed by the main body member 20 with the exception of appropriate ventilation (not shown). Specifically, the main body member 20 has a generally flat side wall contiguously formed about one lateral edge of the annular body member and a second generally flat Wall 72 is contiguously attached about the opposite edge. Wall 72 defines therein an opening 74 of preferably circular configuration so as to establish a convenient means of access to the cavity 24. A door 76 having a shape conforming to the opening 74 is secured to wall 72 as by a hinge 78 and includes an appropriate latching mechanism 80 in order to retain the door in a closed position. Latching mechanism 80 may be actuated from either outside or inside the vehicle so as to enable an occupant to open door 76 for the purpose of entering or exiting the device.

A further modification according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the vehicle includes an annular main body member generally sim ilar to the main body member 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3 but constructed of a rigid, cylindrical metal outer shell 92 having a shock-absorbing, resilient liner 94 fixedly disposed or contained therein. Liner 94 may be constructed of any suitable material such as expanded foam, rubber, or the like, and may further be provided with a skin or sheath so as to improve the mechanical strength and overall durability of the assembly.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 there is further shown a pair of hand grips 96 and 98 which are integrally formed with the main body member 90 and protrude inwardly into the interior cavity of the vehicle. Hand grips 96 and 98 are aligned along a line parallel with the axis of the main body member 90 and lie in an axially parallel plane.

The recreational toy vehicle according to the present invention is preferably provided with a cylindrical or generally cylindrical outer peripheral surface to enhance the rolling characteristics of the overall device. In the modification of FIG. 7 the outer surface 92 is cylindrical while the inner surface of the cavity or opening contained within the main body member is spherical. The spherical inner configuration of the modification of FIG. 7 provide s a deep arcuate seat for the passenger or occupant and serves to prevent the occupants arms or legs from inadvertently falling beyond the axial sides of the vehicle while it is moving.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the recreational toy vehicle of the present invention is illustrated. The embodiment of FIG. 8 is generally similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, with the exception that the seat portion provided along a major arc of the inner surface of the cavity is in the form of a recessed or concave pocket 100 formed in a wall of the main body member. In addition, a weight in the form of a transverse m etal bar 102 is disposed within the annular wall of the main body member so as to provide the body member with an asymmetrical radial weight distribution. Weight 102 may be provided by inserts of metal or other high density material disposed within the annular 'wall section or fixedly secured within the interior cavity. While any number of particular unbalanced conditions may be established, it is preferable that the main body member be weighted within the arc defined between the window or opening 60 and the seat 100 (or 32 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3). In this manner, the weight 102 tends to offset or counterbalance the center of gravity of the occupant and enhances or assists in the initial establishment of rolling movement of the vehicle. Thereafter, weight 102 provides the further distinct advantage of imparting a whip-like motion to the apparatus as it rolls along.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two alternate configurations of the outer peripheral rolling surface of the vehicle according to the present invention. Specifically, in FIG. 9, the plurality of elongated, transverse protrusions or slight humps 104 are disposed at equi-spaced or random positions about the outer surface of the vehicle. Similarly, in FIG. 10 a plurality of longitudinal grooves 106 are provided. In both alternative configurations of FIGS. 9 and 10, the generally cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the vehicle is provided with a plurality of discrete surface irregularities such that there is produced a vibrating, bouncing, oscillating, or undulating sensation as the passenger or occupant rolls along head-over-heels within the assembly.

It may be also desired to take advantage of the recreational and exercise features of the vehicle according to the present invention without moving from one loca tion to another or without rolling along a particular path. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the main body membe. is disposed on a stand 1 10 having an upper surface 112 generally conforming to the outer or peripheral configuration of the vehicle. A plurality of rollers 114 are journalled for free rotation on stand 110 such that they protrude slightly from the upper surface 1 12 for the support of main body member 20 of the vehicle. The stand 110 fully supports the vehicle in a manner such that an occupant may cause the same to roll or tumble along the rollers 114 while remaining in a fixed position or location. This particular embodiment is especially well suited for use by children indoors or in confined locations such as small fenced-in back yards. patios, and the like.

A still further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein a vehicle is constructed having a main body member formed of a resilient or elastic material such as rubber, plastic, sealed canvas, or the like. The main body member 120 is initially formed to have a generally cylindrical annular configuration shown in dashed lines and may include one or more of the various features described above in connection with the previously illustrated embodiments. In the modification of FIG. 12, as the operator causes the vehicle to roll or move, somewhat random or irregular motion may be achieved by the operator stretching out his legs to distort the normally cylindrical cross-section to the oblong shape shown in solid lines. Upon releasing the pressure against the walls of the main body member 120, the device will again assume its generally cylindrical configuration, as shown.

It can therefore be appreciated that the recreational toy vehicle according to the present invention exhibits numerous advantages in operation while providing necessary safety features for the protection of children from accidental injury. The various embodiments and modifications according to this invention facilitate the low cost manufacture of a toy vehicle which can provide hours of fun, entertainment, and exercise for children and adults alike.

Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A self-propelled recreational vehicle comprising a generally annular main body member having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a generally circular, axially extending interior cavity, said cavity including a portion constituting a seat along a major arc thereof for supporting an occupant along said arc facing in a position transverse the body member axis, hand grip means protruding from the surface of the cavity for enabling said occupant to shift his weight by appropriate manipulation so as to cause said body member to roll along said outer peripheral rolling surface whereby said occupant tumbles head-over-heels while riding within said cavity, brake means on said body member having a braking member movable from a retracted position flush with the outer peripheral surface of said body member to a radially, outwardly extended position, and means for actuating said brake means.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat constituting inner surface portion is offset from the generally circular configuration of said surface.

3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said offset seat portion protrudes inwardly into said cavity.

4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said offset seat portion is recessed outwardly of said cavity.

5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said outer peripheral rolling surface is cylindrical and includes a plurality of discrete surface irregularities.

6. A self-propelled recreational vehicle comprising a generally annular main body member having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a generand hand grip means protruding from the surface of the cavity for enabling said occupant to shift his weight by appropriate manipulation so as to cause said body member to roll along said outer peripheral rolling surface whereby said occupant tumbles head-over-heels while riding within said cavity, said annular body member having an asymmetrical radial weight distribution whereby said vehicle exhibits whip-like motion as it rolls.

7. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body member is constructed of a rigid material.

8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said rigid material is opaque, and wherein said body member includes a translucent window communicating with said cavity in a wall of said body member opposite said seat portion.

9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said body member comprises a generally cylindrical annular metal shell having a resilient, shock-absorbing liner fixedly disposed therein.

10. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body member is constructed of a resilient material whereby extension of the legs of an occupant causes distortion of the outer peripheral rolling surface of said body member.

11. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body member has a cylindrical outer surface configuration and said interior cavity is spherical.

12. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said brake means includes means biasing said braking member to said retracted position, and wherein said actuating means is actuable by said hand grip means to move said braking member to said extended position.

13. The invention as recited in claim 12 wherein said hand grip actuable means comprise a rotatable, and axially movable shaft connecting said hand grip means with said braking member, and lock means enabling movement of said braking member to said extended position only after rotation of said hand grip means to a lock-releasing position.

14. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said interior cavity is closed on all sides, and wherein said body member includes a door providing access to said interior cavity.

15. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said hand grip means comprise a pair of handles integrally formed in the wall of said cavity ab ng a line parallel to the body member axis.

* l l l= 

1. A self-propelled recreational vehicle comprising a generally annular main body member having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a generally circular, axially extending interior cavity, said cavity including a portion constituting a seat along a major arc thereof for supporting an occupant along said arc facing in a position transverse the body member axis, hand grip means protruding from the surface of the cavity for enabling said occupant to shift his weight by appropriate manipulation so as to cause said body member to roll along said outer peripheral rolling surface whereby said occupant tumbles head-over-heels while riding within said cavity, brake means on said body member having a braking member movable from a retracted position flush with the outer peripheral surface of said body member to a radially, outwardly extended position, and means for actuating said brake means.
 2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat constituting inner surface portion is offset from the generally circular configuration of said surface.
 3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said offset seat portion protrudes inwardly into said cavity.
 4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said offset seat portion is recessed outwardly of said cavity.
 5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said outer peripheral rolling surface is cylindrical and includes a plurality of discrete surface irregularities.
 6. A self-propelled recreational vehicle comprising a generally annular main body member having a rolling surface about its outer periphery and defining a generally circular, axially extending interior cavity, said cavity including a portion constituting a seat along a major arc thereof for supporting an occupant along said arc facing in a position transverse the body member axis, and hand grip means protruding from the surface of the cavity for enabling said occupant to shift his weight by appropriate manipulation so as to cause said body member to roll along said outer peripheral rolling surface whereby said occupant tumbles head-over-heels while riding within said cavity, said annular body member having an asymmetrical radial weight distribution whereby said vehicle exhibits whip-like motion as it rolls.
 7. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body member is constructed of a rigid material.
 8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said rigid material is opaque, and wherein said body member includes a translucent window communicating with said cavity in a wall of said body member opposite said seat portion.
 9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said body member comprises a generally cylindrical annular metal shell having a resilient, shock-absorbing liner fixedly disposed therein.
 10. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body member is constructed of a resilient material whereby extension of the legs of an occupant causes distortion of the outer peripheral rolling surface of said body member.
 11. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said main body member has a cylindrical outer surface configuration and said interior cavity is spherical.
 12. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said brake means includes means biasing said braking member to said retracted position, and wherein said actuating means is actuable by said hand grip means to move said braking member to said extended position.
 13. The invention as recited in claim 12 wherein said hand grip actuable means comprise a rotatable, and axially movable shaft connecting said hand grip means with said braking member, and lock means enabling movement of said braking member to said extended position only after rotation of said hand grip means to a lock-releasing position.
 14. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said interior cavity is closed on all sides, and wherein said body member includes a door providing access to said interior cavity.
 15. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said hand grip means comprise a pair of handles integrally formed in the wall of said cavity along a line parallel to the body member axis. 